 |
|
Thursday, September 27, 2007Travel is one of my greatest passions and I believe all globetrotters or even occasional adventurers must venture to the Capitol of the World....the one and only New York City! The energy, the absolutely endless myriad of activities and world famous icons and landmarks that stand as a testament to the celebrity status of this beloved city. When you need a break from the electric energy of New York and when it's time to hit the bed, where to stay? New York has numerous options though there are few that cater to young people and have great bang for the buck. This past Christmas & New Years 2007 when I headed down to see friends in Connecticut before attending the legendary New Years bash in Times Square with my brother. My parents wanted as most do to find a good deal, yet we wanted to be in midtown near to Times Square. This is the enduring question, some people answer this by staying further afield in more remote parts of the city or across the river in New Jersey coming in and out each day. The answer is The Pod Hotel. Below is my full review of the hotel inclusive of both stays both for New Years 2007 & in July 2007 as it appears on my Trip Advisor profile along with pictures. I travelled with family to New York with visits to Connecticut last New Years & then again on my own while visiting surrounding states this summer. I have included below reviews from both stays for more information. New Years: Scanning around as we were late in the game of booking a room prior to New Years I was elated when I called up the Pick Wick Arms (Now the Pod Hotel) which had not only space but appeared to be a vibrant young and modern hotel with a great price tag. My family member whose first time it was in the city and my 2nd stayed there for our 2 nights/3 days in the city. Within walking distance of many landmarks, within a 25 minute walking radius of the hotel we visited: * Central Park * Rockefeller Center * Nintendo World store * NBA store * Times Square * The world's largest toy store- Toys'R Us Times Square * 5th Avenue * Avenue of the Americas The rooms are very reasonably priced and actually amazing price tags when you think that this is in Midtown East, sporting some of the highest room rates on earth typically ranging anywhere from $400-600. The Pod Hotel for 2 nights including extravagantly popular night of December 31st was $179 for the double room with private bathroom. The room was very comfortable and modern with a spacious desk, flat screen LCD television, a marble shower & bathroom with nifty holders. A note on the public bathrooms for the single & bunk bed room guests, they are also pristine and even have music in the shower and plenty of shampoo & soap in dispensers. We actually used one of these bathrooms also in the morning so we could shower faster which I suggest as they are usually mostly empty. It saves time so you have more time to get out into this magnificent city! Beautiful British bath products are provided in abundance by the maids whom are very friendly and clean the rooms spotlessly. We had a question about whether we could turn the television so went out into the hall and asked a maid there, she happily came in and showed us how. A small interesting note, they are in the traditional French maid outfits, not something you often see! Summer 2007: I returned to the Pod Hotel in July for a 2 night stay again and had an equally wonderful experience with them. Now that the renovations are complete with the hotel, there is a concierge desk that is staffed most of the day, a cozy lounging area with modern furniture and a rooftop garden, however I didn't get a chance to go up there, next time for sure. There is also a outdoor deck area which I did go out on and enjoyed. This time I had several requests of the front desk and each call or whenever I went up to the desk I was greeted with friendly staff who cater to you. I stayed in the double room again, and though the same as the summer I did notice that there are now two glass doors for the bathroom which makes it easier for privacy. Also I read in an earlier review of The Pod Hotel that there was this beautiful quaint park down the street (East 51st Street) that the Pod Hotel is on. I found it just across the street down a 2 minute walk from the hotel. It's called Greenacre Park and was built by a wealthy New Yorker for the simple purpose of proving a paradise in the middle of bustling midtown Manhattan. Just a few blocks from Times Square as a New Yorker whom I sat beside said and yet such serenity. The park has a raised terrace covered eating area, a spacious stone patio with modern wire cafe style chairs & tables. A snack bar offers a wide variety of gourmet food not just snacks freshly prepared by the friendly Asian owner. I enjoyed a delicious croissant & fruit salad in front of the crowning feature a large waterfall at the back of the park! A visit to this park is a must! To add to the list of nearby attractions and places this time from the hotel I walked to: * Top of The Rock observation deck at the GE Building (also contains the NBC store & tour, Rainbow Room) * Theater District * Maddame Tussuad's (also a ticket office for CitySightsNY Hop on Off buses & the start for their downtown tour) * The world's largest toy store- Toys'R Us Times Square & other theme stores * Grand Central Station & its shoppes I readily recommend the Pod Hotel to friends and family and will surely be returning! - Trip Advisor a dynamic interactive travel site, I am now a member on will get a full review in the next few days on here- Labels: New York City tourism Teague Neal blogged on 10:27 AM
1 comments
Wednesday, September 26, 2007 Josh Strickland right as Tarzan alongside Jenn Gamabatese as Jane in Tarzan Josh Strickland who played Tarzan in the stunning musical of the same name that I have been writing about that was on Broadway, now in The Netherlands and Germany in 2008 has a upcoming one day show! He will be at the Staples Center Highschool in Westport, Connecticut on October 1st. The Staples Center as part of the highschool is home to The Staples Players a dynamic drama and theatre group that teaches young aspiring actors bound for Broadway and other acting all there is to know about theatre in an intergrated program. The tickets are only $20 for children and $30 for adults. He will be joining other Broadway actors alongside the Broadway Boys whom impersonate and perform Broadway hit songs and skits. The ticket sales generated act as a fundraiser towards this worthwhile theatre program. Check out the article about the concert on Playbill. Labels: Broadway Teague Neal blogged on 11:54 AM
0 comments
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 The former Broadway cast who brought so much passion and joy to the Richard Rodgers Theater during the 14 month run of Tarzan are reprising their roles as the astounding actors and actresses they are. After the sudden close of Tarzan on July 8th, though the sadness was deep that Tarzan had ended as I found out from an agent of one of the actors I sat by the world does need to continue. They seemed extremely proud of their performances and what they brought to this astounding production, my favourite show I've ever seen, truly. Six of the major roles from Tarzan are now pursuing new roles and activities on Broadway and beyond. Tarzan is my favourite show or play I've ever seen! Josh Strickland, of American Idol fame and from the national tour of RENT and everyone will remember as the older Tarzan with his stunning voice, amazing acrobatics and more is working on an upcoming CD titled Dreaming Wide Awake along with other Broadway stars including Shoshana Bean previously from Wicked, Jonathan Groff currently in Spring Awakening amongst others. Check out this exclusive sneak preview clip of renwoned Broadway actress Stephanie J. Block (Wicked, Pirate Queen) singing "Never Never Land" (Fly Away) from Peter Pan, check out this write up from Playbill.com (the official company that does Broadway programs - "playbills" and much more) at the bottom of the article. He has no current roles in shows, though it won't be long I'm sure before we see this skilled up and coming actor spring from the launch that Tarzan was for him. This was Strickland's Broadway premiere in rent but he had previously garnered his stardom in American Idol, and he was then on the National Tour of RENT and in his time in Tarzan was on many renowned TV shows inclusive of The View, The Today Show and All my Children.  Kerchak (Shuler Hensley) and his wife Kala (Merle Dandridge) in Tarzan Merle Dandridge who played the deeply moving mother of Tarzan Kala has returned to her previous Broadway role. For a limited engagement Dandridge will be reprised her role as Joanne in RENT, now in it's 11th year on Broadway at the David Nederlander Theater. She left RENT on September 1st. She expressed on her blog that it will be a limited engagement before she takes so more time off after Tarzan. She is now working on a play at the La Jolla Playhouse in La Jolla, California titled Most Wanted . Most Wanted. takes a look at the American obsession of celebrity, rich, fame and wealth in a unique and creative expression. The play is part of their EDGE festival supporting young and up and coming directors, this is quoted from the website of the La Jolla Playhouse as they describe the festival of plays: "THE EDGE is the newest of the Playhouse's signature programs, designed to bring the freshest, most adventurous work to our stages. Supported through a generous grant from the Irvine Foundation, projects in THE EDGE are produced outside of the subscription season. THE EDGE encompasses bold new works being created in the theatre today by established artists, up-and-coming directors and playwrights, or theatre ensembles who are exploring new theatrical territory. Groundbreaking, innovative and completely different – welcome to THE EDGE." Her past performances include on Broadway Jesus Christ Superstar, RENT, Disney's AIDA as well as NCIS on television amongst other credits.  Jane (Jenn Gambatese) and Tarzan (Josh Strickland) in Tarzan Jenn Gambatese who played the snobby British explorer turned lover of Tarzan is preparing for a brand new Broadway show. Gambatese took some time off towards the end of Tarzan's run for her wedding!! She was Jane for more than a year previous and then did return early from her leave to do the final weekend of shows. She is getting ready to be a part of the intriguing new musical Is He Dead based on a play that was written more than 100 years ago and undiscovered until 2002, Mark Twain's piece has been crafted into a Broadway show. The producers of the show say this: "In this newly discovered Mark Twain comedy, the original master of American humor dishes out a sly critique of the art world with acerbic wit and social commentary well ahead of his time. Is He Dead? is a fast-paced play about a struggling artist who stages his own death to drive up the price of his paintings. As the riotous scheme unfolds, Twain poses daring questions about fame, greed and the value of art, and pokes his signature, mischievous fun at everyone involved." The previews of Is He Dead start November 8th at the Lyceum Theatre, regular performances start November 29th. The performance schedule and ticketing will be announced shortly, I will post more about her show and link to the official website when there's one. Her past performances include the original Broadway cast of Hairspray and All Shook Up.  Niki Scalera who played the Jane understudy and an ensemble performer (an ape!) and then played Jane for the last stretch except the final weekend of shows while Jenn Gambatese took time off for her wedding! She is actually the Jane I saw at my performance and she was spectacular. She is in the smash hit Hairspray now in its 6th year on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theater as Penny Pingleton, the main character Tracy Turnblad's best friend. Her past performances include the Las Vegas production of the Queen musical We Will Rock You, Jake's Women on Broadway, All My Children on television amongst many other credits. She was also recently involved in the workshop for the up and coming Broadway musical of Catch me If You Can.  Kerchak (Shuler Hensley) taking a bow on opening night of Tarzan Shuler Hensley who played Kerchak, Tarzan's father for 10 months from Tarzan's opening until March 2007 is now in previews for a shining new show bound for Broadway. Now doing its pre-Broadway run in Seattle Hensley plays The Monster in Young Frankenstein. The tale of the famed classic tale has now made its way to stage. Created by famed producer Mel Brooks, who also created the The Producers. Here's what the producers have to say on the official Young Frankenstein website. Hensley's past includes Oklahoma & the original Broadway Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera in Germany, Off Broadway: The Great American Trailer Park Musical and in movies Legend of Zoro in 2005 and Opa! at the 2005 Toronto Film Festival.  The Monster (Shuler Hensley) in Young Frankenstein " IT’S ALIVE! From the creators of the record-breaking Broadway sensation The Producers comes this monster new musical comedy. A wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend based on Mel Brooks’ classic comedy masterpiece, the story follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that's Fronkensteen) as he attempts to complete his grandfather's masterwork and bring a corpse to life. Together with his oddly shaped and endearing helper Igor (that's Eye-gor), his curvaceous lab assistant Inga, and in spite of his incredibly self-involved madcap fiancé Elizabeth, Frankenstein succeeds in creating a monster -- but not without scary and quite often hilarious complications. With such memorable tunes as "The Transylvania Mania," "He Vas My Boyfriend" and "Puttin' On The Ritz," The New MEL BROOKS Musical YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN is scientifically-proven, monstrously good entertainment…and the only place you'll witness a singing and dancing laboratory experiment in the largest tuxedo ever made." The previews of Young Frankenstein begin October 11th at the Hilton Theater, regular performances start November 8th.  Tim Jerome Tim Jerome who played Jane's father, Professor Porter, the visiting British explorer to the stunning African jungle that was the Tarzan set. He is going on tour with the latest revival of My Fair Lady. The show that has played both on Broadway and in the West End. The original Broadway show was in 1954 and has since had several revivals. Jerome, who has played in many Broadway shows in the past prior to Tarzan inclusive of The Beauty and the Beast as Maurice, CATS and many others. He will be a member of the North American tour cast. Check out the press release about his role on Broadway World.  A scene from My Fair Lady They will go across North America to 24 American and Canadian cities from September 2007-June 2008 , they started with a series of shows in Tampa, Florida on September 12th. For my Canadian readers, one of the shows I'd love to catch My Fair Lady will be in Toronto from May 8-31st at the Toronto Centre for the Arts for one of the longer runs! I will be sure to catch him in my hometown then, can't wait! Tickets are on sale now for certain legs of the tour, others will be on sale soon. I met him at the stage door after my performance of Tarzan on July 4th, congratulated him and told him it was my first Broadway show. He was very sweet and signed my playbill. I hope to catch some of my favourite cast in the new shows and undertakings! Best of luck to all of them! Labels: Broadway Teague Neal blogged on 11:05 AM
0 comments
Friday, August 10, 2007 July 4th, 2007 will always remain engrained in my memory as one of the most memorable and meaningful days of my life. That morning I had flown into brash and beautiful New York City for my fourth visit to this beloved city of mine. Though in the past I certainly had walked amongst the famed theatres that scatter in and around Broadway. The Great White Way had inspired me from afar yet for some unknown reason I hadn't ventured in to see one of the world class shows. This afternoon as I settled back into the electric energy and comfort and class of this city I love I took a yellow cab to the theatre from the UN. Stepping into the long snaking line in front of the historic circa 1924 Richard Rodgers Theatre garbed in bright shades of green on the marquee & box office. All with "Tarzan Broadway's High Flying Musical" ethched across. I had my premiere Broadway ticket in hand I had gotten for $45 less than the list price using a discount code, now a treasured souvenir forever. Once I set food in the door and made my way to the ticket taker, I had been formally introduced into a world I thought I would love, yet began far more special than I could ever have imagined. I took my plush upholstered seat, one of the most comfortable I've ever sat as I was dressed up in some of my finest dress clothes. Surrounding me men in their tuxedos and various forms of dress shirts and suits mingled alongside women in glittering gowns and designer tops. I had always enjoyed the 1999 film and had seen press photos and clips of the show which appeared nothing less than "SENSATIONAL" as the marquee proudly announced in the words of a local high profile critic. The fact that I could get the 4th row seat with the discount code, something I had never done previously, been so close to the stage. Tarzan held so much power and enchantment, the stunning scenes with the highly creative and never before seen arial moves of the gorrilas and Young and older Tarzan was such an enriching experience. I really felt the awe of it all sink in as I learned all about the deep feelings that accompany acceptance of others, differences and cultures. As well as how love can become so deep and fast, about close friendships and the power of family. The power of family both fictionally and in reality. A agent of one of the actors in Tarzan taught me and another man seated behind me all about Broadway and different thoughts on Tarzan. We heard about the closing, that had more than ticketing as Tarzan was playing the full houses. She said and I will never forget "45 of my beloved actors will be out of a job" "The stage hands, crew and actors won't know where to turn" she said.  Young Tarzan (Alex Rutherford) & Kala (Merle Dandridge) Certain people wonder how they can put on the same show, nearly identical 7-8 times a week, and during at least 1 day twice in one day. How they can do that emotionally, despite the repetition they do have a different audience whom reacts different each show and they become a family, truly. They have rehearsals together, they almost live together even in their relatively small quarters backstage before, after and during the show in their dressing rooms and the various other spaces needed to put on a modern multimillion dollar stage production. When you see them doing the curtain call and interacting with each other and fans at the stage door following the performance this really shows. They are not bored, they are elated to be in an astounding production and though there is repetition they especially in Tarzan get to be amongst stunning backdrops, special effects, costumes and get to sing majestic music night after night. Tarzan did close on Broadway suddenly on July 8, 2007 yet continues in the hearts and minds of many. The original Kerchak, Tarzan's father played by Shuler Hensley will be starring in the upcoming Young Frankenstein on Broadway beggining in November as Frankenstein's Monster. Best wishes to him and all of the cast with their future aspirations! --I will be soon posting a post about the Netherlands Tarzan production that opened on April 15th, 2007--- --I will also soon be posting about the fun and warmth the cast showed at the stage door and about going to the stage door at Broadway shows-- Labels: Broadway Teague Neal blogged on 10:36 PM
0 comments
Thursday, August 09, 2007The review of my memorable and eventful review of the New York TV & Movie Tour I took recently during my time in New York with my friend from Singapore & her cousin has now been posted on the On Locations review site . It can be found by filing through the arrows at the bottom of the webpage. I reccomend it for anyone but strongly for returning visitors to New York who appreciate events off the beaten path as you discover more about this unbelivable city. You can find my review on the site by filing through using the navigation arrows at the bottom of the webpage to file through to the July 6th 2007, 11:00am tour I was on. This tour exceeded my expectations and quickly became one of the most memorable experiences I've had in New York City, this being my 3rd trip. The tour is multi faceted with each facet innovative and run smoothly. Meeting the tour guide at the meeting location was easy to find in the Theater District down the road from Times Square. Detailed directions and a map are included with your ticket. The former Broadway actress turned NYC tour guide was well organized with a list of all attendees, I simply said my name and presented my e-ticket (ordered from Zerve's website). We embarked on a comfortable air conditioned coach that led us to 60 locations featured in famed movies & television shows from all eras. A side note the coach does have a spotless bathroom onboard.The tour guide was very approachable and informative sharing many notes on the movies including bloopers, little known facts and also production terminology as it relates to filming. In addition to the locations that the bus passes by there are a handful of stops where we got out to see locations on foot. This included two stops that were prolonged ones seeing a set of locations which provided a great break from the bus. At these stops the tour guide offers to take group photography, now that I've seen the pictures, they attest to fine photography skill. With the additions of showing actual clips of the movies & TV shows on the monitors in the bus just prior or after visiting the location was a real treat. This made the bridge between reality and Hollywood all that more real. The onboard singing and contests rewarded by prizes and the fun of it all added yet another dimension. As the tour progressed throughout many Manhattan districts and neighbourhoods the guide informed the group of many aspects of New York's culture and how the movie industry affects these districts. At the conclusion of the tour I greatly thanked the guide and gave her a well deserving generous tip. Most importantly I had learned much more about movie, television and New York City as a whole. All this is a fun filled afternoon I strongly recommend. Also a note the office staff are also equally friendly and informative as I had questions about certain parts of the tour for health reasons. On a future trip to NYC I plan to take their Central Park TV & Movie Tour enabling me to further explore the famed park with their knowledge and the filming slant. Improvements to the tour would be visiting the Seinfeld restaurant. It would also be great to see On Location expand to other boroughs of NYC or genre tours. Perhaps have a tour that includes lunch or dinner at one of the featured dining locations. I wish On Location Tours nothing but the best! Cheers from Ontario, Canada. Teague Neal blogged on 3:09 PM
0 comments
Wednesday, August 08, 2007- have my posts emailed by entering your email in the subscribe me box to the right. I apologize for my extended absence and periodic posting. I have been having many personal reasons that had prevented me from giving the blog the attention it deserves. I am excited and very much looking forward to posting again in the coming days and weeks, I have many new features and access to my new travel blog and major YouTube series coming. I will also be updating the links on the right-hand side of my screen to include additional travel websites. This will include new links relating to the wonderful world of Broadway & the West End which I will be covering regularly now. This coverage of the finest theatre districts in the English language world shall include information on upcoming shows, revivals and previews and tours. In addition to the best ways to get your tickets, as well as packages that include tickets to the esteemed shows. As always I appreciate your comments. To subscribe simply type your email address in the box to the right-hand side "Subscribe Me" and your email address will be added to the list. You will soon also be able to send your email address via email to the new address that will soon be posted. This address will also be used for comments, ideas for new posts and anything else you may like to ask. The new posts start the evening of August 9th Eastern Standard Time. The transformations and new features and links will happen in the next several weeks. Thanks very much, good to be back with a vengance! Stay tuned! Cheers Teague Neal blogged on 1:01 AM
0 comments
Tuesday, January 16, 2007 A pretty cool, creative and icing filled birthday cake to me! Celebrating my 19th birthday online here with the almost sureally accurate horoscope I got. This is from Birthday Alarm site I use to organize and keep track of the world of birthdays I need to remember! It's an awesome way filled with many features to create an electronic database that emails reminders to you. It also gives you access to a wide selection of e-cards! Their present to me from them today was this: Free Sample Personal Astrology Profile for Teague Birth Date and Time..... January 16, 1988 4:30 PM Birth Location............. Toronto, Canada Sun Sign.................... Capricorn �Section 1: How You Approach Life and How You Appear To Others You appear gentle and soft, and you act rather reserved with others until you know them well and feel it is safe to be open with them. You have a strong need for emotional security and a sense of belonging, and are deeply attached to the past: your heritage, roots, family, cherished friends, familiar places, etc. Making radical changes or moves away from what is known and safe can be very painful and difficult for you. You tend to cling and hold on to people, memories, possessions of personal or sentimental significance. Having a home, a safe haven, is very important to you. Section 2: The Inner You: Your Real Motivation Serious, disciplined, and quietly ambitious, you are driven to prove yourself and to achieve material accomplishments and success. Your work, your position in the world, and your contributions to society are very important to you. You will persevere through enormous hardship and frustration in order to reach a goal you have set for yourself, and you often sacrifice much in the area of personal relationships and home life in order to do so. Teague Neal blogged on 2:03 AM
0 comments
<< Home |
Teague Neal |